New laws that would make cyclists over a certain age have to carry photo ID are being discussed by the NSW government.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay held roundtable discussions last week about cycling safety issues, exploring the idea of trialling some new laws.

One would be to increase the penalty (of $69) for motorists who don’t keep a safe distance from cyclists as well as introducing licensing legislation that would mean cyclists were required to carry photo identification.

It would make it compulsory for cyclists above 18 years of age to carry any existing photo ID, such as a driver’s licence.

Mr Holland said such a move would make no difference to him, as he already always carries an old driver’s licence when he rides.

“Quite a few of our members are the same,” he said.

“We often get a lot of flak from motorists saying we don’t pay registrations or have licences but we do. All club members are registered with Cycling NSW and their data is linked with Cycling Australia.

“Everyone within the Velo Club and the local Shoalhaven Bicycle Users Group are registered with Cycling NSW and are therefore issued with cycling licences and cards to carry. That is all linked with Cycling Australia.

“I would be the first to jump at it if something official was introduced if it would appease some motorists.

“As long as they are sensible about it and don’t expect us to put a numberplate the size used for trucks on our bikes.

“Most of us own cars anyway so we do pay rego. The only difference is some days we enjoy riding our bikes instead of driving our cars.

“At the moment for pushbikes there is nothing in place – we can’t do it if it’s not available.”

He did question how such a move would be policed.

“Police don’t have enough time to do what they are required to now,” he said.

Within the Nowra Velo Club, he said members undertake competency testing.

“There will always be bad riders on the road, just like there are bad drivers. And in both cases there are some who will never change,” he said.

“As a whole, most motorists are considerate of cyclists, as are riders of drivers.

“It is amazing how, if one cyclist does something crazy on the road in front of a driver, it can sometimes carry on to another group of riders further down the road.”

Mr Holland suggested motorists giving car horns a “friendly toot” as they approached a group of cyclists from behind to let them know they were there.

“Not a full blown honking like one guy in the area does for about half a kilometre, but just a little toot to let us know they are there,” he said.